Thailand Sets Boundaries for Israeli Tourists Amid Incident Concerns

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, met with Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Orna Sagiv, in Bangkok on Tuesday to address a series of incidents involving Israeli tourists and growing public discussion about foreign visitor conduct.

Phuangketkaew emphasized that while Thailand welcomes tourists from all nations, this openness does not grant them license to behave without limits. He stated that recent events have offended Thai sensibilities, local culture, and the national way of life, particularly in tourist hotspots like Phuket and Phangan. This comes amid increasing criticism in Thailand regarding the behavior of some foreign visitors, with a parallel rise in public attention focused on the activities of Israelis in various parts of the country.

Ambassador Sagiv acknowledged the problem of some Israelis' conduct and proposed creating a "do's and don'ts" guide for Israeli tourists. This document, if developed, would be distributed through the embassy, tour operators, and airlines to reach travelers before and during their trips. However, Phuangketkaew indicated that Bangkok expects more robust engagement from Israel in addressing the issue, beyond just informational outreach to tourists.

The meeting occurred just two days before a planned protest on September 10th outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok. This demonstration is part of a campaign targeting what organizers call "grey foreign capital," alleging that foreign businesses operate in Thailand through local proxies. The campaign's claims also highlight the activities of Israelis, alongside other foreign nationals from countries including China and Russia.

A joint press conference initially scheduled after the meeting did not take place, with Ambassador Sagiv reportedly leaving the venue immediately after the discussion. Foreign Minister Phuangketkaew subsequently briefed the press on the Thai government's position regarding foreign tourist behavior and incidents involving Israelis.